Electrical connector



June 22, 19,48. A C, BAKER `2,443,975`

ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR Filed JV Patented June 22, 1948 ll Jf-I\i,1Ti; o STATES PATENT oFFlCly ELEG'IIRGAL CNN-ECTQB:

Glii Baker, Los-Angeles, Calin assignee @toner hall' tovlnlns. L., Mason, i Encino, Calif;- n

Application January 1s, 194e, signalling. Massei llaims.. (Cl. 7B-F328.)

Among the vmost.important features and characteristicsrte be desired in` such` connectors :are facility and speed; with whichthe corefte'mnals canbemade l accessible fon attachmentgtm the;con,- dnctors, and thelconnector then restoredl tornor malt-condition. "Essentiailalsoiszthegreatestvposf sible precaution against parts of. the connector becoming lost or `disarramged yso as 'ttoinecessitate replacements orl fcause -contusion and; delay in making upf thev completedr attachments Awith "the conductors.

obectivesmore completely .anditolalhighenfdeeree ofperfection than have been obtainable any other Iforms o'f" electrical connectorszof which I aware. l Many `of 'the conventional connectorshave in common with the inventionl Vthe general 'features oila body! orf shell ycontaining the terminals which nnrmally 'are :completely'lreceived in the'body and therefore .require exposure for connection with the conductor 'Wires rendering the terminals accessible is to "provide a sectional'ibodl'f", rparts/of which rare removed vto expose the-terminals, and then reassembledfafter al1-connections are made. The use of suchten nectors', `as Well -asothers, lconstt'rnes I 'rlolfeI time than is most desirable because-oi `the `nenniilled manipulations and -thenecessity `forgtheC Workers havingto handle andlreassemble separatedy partys..

In accordance with 4the invention y1, have pro,- i,

vided a Aconnector [capable of utmost speed in manipulation, rand .having all the advantages resulting fromthe factfthatits ,use involves no. re,- moval andvr replacement, of parts The .present connector .is primarily-characterized inlthatlthe The present yinvention fonits primary purpose the .accomplishment `ot thesey One common :method off,

` tionsnbutisreleasablelfem. and aeaseabla W1 stituting" e etentsfonrele,

ce.. le @Seesen-badi. M3356 .Sleldabl @tactical a `housin the .fissa c msssseetion `ori-glineyfi-eli of Ele. lf.

Tneconneetor: assembly marine fdesoniloedffsene erally as comprising a tnlonlarlgkzody` :til: 'having :insulation :career nlug :lll: normally ycontained ,wittlinthebcoythe retracted :positionner sliig; 2, andlmevable Within thefbodywtolandifrom thelnizoiectedms lo ci I 'fby he application oendrpressnre against :the core, fl as will pres en S; Split ne the body Se tedin-a1Y mating relatiizrlslllp`` "@nelend 91? the naar lis externally threaded et la fe '00111 neCtQn-witlia toad emissie-1121s usualn: ner. flllehodyalso thetublllar @ell les l5. rimerr.;alli threaded et t6. and having aneular shoulder l1 ensaseablewith the tapered surface eofffexternal body-flange Ji- --lhe nods i seetions. 4mentally v`are maintained le rafllel inter-engagement and yieldably held against spreading, fbv-a-selit1on series 0 i seated Within anmzlaeereevel between the threads :le

the tapered shoulder I8. At this point it may be mentioned that spring 23 is snapped into the groove 2i after placement of nut l5 on the body, the spring thereafter serving to prevent removal of the nut from the body. End lilo of the bodir may .contain suitable indicia, such as the polarizing groove 22 for orientation of the coupling in accordance withv the positions of the terminal sockets.

The core l I may be formed of any suitable electrical insulation, such as a phenolic condensation product, and is shown to include the conventional assembly of a main cylindrical'section 23 having enlarged diameter end ange or head 24, and a back-up disc 25. The core assembly may contain any suitable number and arrangement of metallic electrical terminalsor pins 26, two being shown as typical. These terminal pins may be of the usual form comprising an enlarged diameter socket portion `2l contained Within a bore in the core section 23 and adapted to receive a conductor prong inserted through opening 28 into the socket 29. The opposite end of the pin extends through the back-up disc 24 and is formed with the usual soldering'socket 39 for attachment to the conductor wire. The terminal pins are retained within the core assembly by engagement of the disc 2d with the end of the larger diameter socket portion 21 of the pin. The invention is independent of the particular type of terminal pin to be used, the illustrated form being conventional and therefore selected for purposes of description,`

Normally the core assembly H is retained in what is referred to as the retracted position of Fig. 2, where the terminal ends are entirely containedV within the body.` Location of the vcore in this position is predetermined by engagement of the head 24 with the internal annular body shoulder 32. The core is releasably held against movement toward the-projected position of Fig. l, by engagement of the tapered face 33 of disc 25 with arcuate shoulders 34 of corresponding angul-arity formed on the inside of the body sections Illa and lllb. As best illustrated in Fig. 3, shoulders 34 disappear toward the mating edges of the body sections. As will appear, by virtue of the sectional characteristics of the body and the action of spring 20, shoulders 34 serve as detents releasably holding the core assembly in its retracted position.

The projected position of the core is predetermined by engagement of the angular disc face 33 with shoulders 35 formed inside the body sections at or near the end thereof. As shown v in Fig. 2, shoulders 35 preferably are of arcuate extent, disappearing toward the mating edges of the body sections similar to the detent shoulders 34. It will be understood however, that if desired, shoulders 35 "may be made continuously annular Within the body and at n size 'diminution,'should it be desired to prevent removal of the core assembly irom the body other than by dismantling the sections. Formation of the shoulders 35 as illustrated has the advantage of permitting thecore assembly to be thrust out of the end of 'thebody without dismantling its sections. The core is releasably maintained in projected position and against pressure tending to move it into the body, by engagement of surface 36 on the head 21 with annular ,body section shoulders 3l similar to the arcuate shoulders34. y

Any suitable means may be provided to prevent rotation of the core assembly within the body,

while permitting its axial movement therein. As illustrative, the core may be maintained in predetermined orientation with the body by a key 38 extending between shoulders 32 and 35 and received within registering ways 39 in the core head and disc.

In considering the operation of the connector, assume the body t0 be assembled with the core in the retracted position of Fig. 2. Exertion of end pressure on the core at 4G, by the finger or a tool, causes the body section to spread against the resistance oi spring 20, permitting the'core assembly to be thrust forward to the projected position of Fig. 1, openly exposing the terminal ends for soldering in the usual manner to conductor wires. The combined effects of such factors as the angularity of shoulders 31 and the tension of spring 20, may be adjusted to give the core adequate support against return movement during soldering operations, While avoiding the necessity for excessive pressure to return the core when soldering iscompleted. At

this point it may be mentioned that should it be'desired to remove the core completely from the body, as for replacement of core parts, continuedend pressure on the core after reaching the position of Fig. 1, will cause the bodysections to'again spread and permit the core to be projected out of the body.

After the terminal connections are made, the core assembly maybe returned to retracted position by exertion of pressure against the end at 4l, causing the body t0 spread and' shoulders 34 nally to close behind the core as it engages the stopshoulder 32. Again it may be observed thatthe combined effects of the spring tension and angularities of the core surface 33 and shoulders 34, may be adjusted to retain the core in position against the end thrust or polarizing pressure applied as the terminal sockets 21 are thrust Aagainst the conductorprongs.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the core vassembly is almost instantly movable between its retracted and projected positions, and that notwithstanding the speed and facility withy which the .connector may be so manipulated, the core is securely held in both positions against accidental displacement under all normal circumstances. Except for such purposes as removal of the core, the connector remains entirely self-contained vand 'involves for its manipulation only the simple application oi end pressure against the core inthe manner described.

When iinally joined to the companion prong assembly to be thrust into the pin sockets 21, the sleeve nut i5 is threaded on the usual threaded pronghousing or shell, tightening the end of such housing or shell into engagement' with shoulder t2.A Thereafter the lbody sections Illa and lub are maintained ltightly engaged by the Wedge action of surfaces `l'l and I8 independently of the spring 2d. Thus for assembly purposes the body is capable of spring-resisted spreading, but after final ensasementwith theprong (assembly the body sections become rigidly held in engagement.

.I claim:

l. An electrical connector comprising a tubular body, an'insulation core within the body, a terminal element carried by the core, said core being movable axially within'the body from a retracted position to an advanced position projecting said terminal out of the body, and releasable holding means Vengaging and maintaining the core against movement from said retracted position to said advanced position.

Artelectricaliconnector.comprisingia tubularr bodyliavingfopen'ferids, an msulationcore Within the body; a;.terminasl element'oarrieddiy tliefcore,. said corefbeinglmovable: axiallyV within' the'4 body from ati-retracted positiorritoran:advancedzposition projecting said.' terminal: out onth'el body, and releasable" holding, for maintaining the coref against movement from one tofthe: other off said-positions, thei-core'fbein releasablefrom and engageable witnls'aidncldingfmeansby manually. exerting? lfressurel axially 'andi alternately against opposite :exposed: ends of the rcore;

An electrical L connector comprisingV en body, an; insulationi corel within the .1 bodyk and,V having accessiblefen'ds, ai terminal"elementcarried by the core, said` core-fleeing: movable axially. Within the body'froniarretracted position to an advanced position projecting sai-d terminal out of the body While the core remains therein, and detent means associated with said body and releasably holding the core against movement iromieaohto the other of said advanced and retracted positions, the core being releasable from and engageable with said detentmeans by exertingY pressure axially` and alternately against opposite ends of the'core.

lflAn electrical connector comprising a body, an; insulation core Within the. body and having accessible ends, a sol-dering terminalelementcarriedibyr the core, said core being movable axially Within the `body ,from a retracted position to an advanced position projecting said terminal out .of the body while the ooreremains therein, and spring-pressed detent means associated with the body1 and `releasably holdingfthe core against movement from said advanced and retracted positions.

5. An electrical connector comprising a tubular body having a radially movable section, an insulation core Within the body, an exposed terminal element carried by the core, said core being movable axially Within the body from a retracted position to an advanced position projecting said terminal out of the body While the core remains therein, and means holding the core against axial movement from one of said positions and releasable by virtue of outward radial Idisplacement .oi said body section.

6. An electrical connector comprising a tubular longitudinally split .body having radially displaceable sections, an insulator core Within the bo-dy, a terminal element carried by the core, said core being movable axially within the body from a retracted position to an advanced position projecting,r said terminal, element out of the body, and spaced shoulders in said body sections engageable by the core and resisting its movement from each to the other of said positions, the core being movable from said positions by endvvise pressure causing radial spreading of the body sections.

7. An electrical connector comprising,r a tubular longitudinally split body having radially displaceable sections, an insulator core Within the body, a terminal element carried by the core, said core being movable `axially Within the body from a retracted position to an advanced position projectingr said terminal element out of the body, spaced Shoulders in said body section-s engageable by the core and resistingr its movement from each to the other of said positions, the core being movable irom said positions by endwise pressure causing radial spreadingr of the body sections. and a spring about the outside of the body and resisting spreading of said sections.

8. An electrical connector comprising a tubular longitudinally split body having radially displaceable sections; an insulator-:core:withimthea body, a'y terminal elementi carriedbyi the: cora said core being movablezaxiallyfwithin .ther-.body from. a retracted vvpositiornto. anoadvancedi position projecting.saiditerminaliielement'lout of 'the body,. spaced slioulder'swim said body? sections` engageabler by the: fcoreiiand resistingL-i itsimovement from' each' to=tlreotherf of1 said positions; the core lbeing movablet from?v saidf.positi'onsby endwise pressure' causingradialwspreading offthe bodyl sections, aV spring.: about?. the outside oi the body andi resistingA spreadingf on saidvv sections, and ai couplingnutl carried"I byV tnefbordy 'anclf engageable'with sadisectinsito prevent:their'radial` movement to .positivellyf locln said4 core against movement from:saidiretractedposition:

9i'. An Aelectrica'lic'onnectorrzcomprisingi aitub'ul ar body, an insulatorlcor'ewithin th'eib'ody,,a-- terminal 1 element carried by th'ecore, saictfcore being movable axially within thebodyvfromiairetracted position to"y an! advanced position projecting, said terminal" element out! of the' b'ody; spacedz stopA shoulders limiting movements of the core tcvfsaidV positions, and means engaging? and'f releasably holdingY the core:` against. axial-f movements from` each tothe other 'oflsaid'positions l0: Anielectrical conne'ctorvv comprising af tubular body; aninsu1ation cor'eiwithinithe body, a terminal conductor carried." b'y andy projecting beyond.` one endv or` the.' core, said corel beingcmov'- able axially andreciprocally Withinitheebody between ai retractedposition'in Wliiclii saidielement` is `contained within the body?" and? anadvanoed position: inl whichf said elementi is'projectcd `out of an end of the body with the lcore remaining therein, and means holding the core in said advanced Iposition against movement out of said end of the body, said holding means being releasable to permit removal of the core from the body through said end thereof.

11. An electrical connector comprising a tubular body, an insulationcore within the body, a

'terminal conductor carried by and projecting beyond one end of the core, said core being movable axially and reciprocally within the body between a retracted position in which said element is contained Within the body and an advanced position in which said element is projected out of an end of the body with the core remaining therein, releasable holding means for resisting movement of the core from one to the other of said positions, and means for locking said holding means to positively prevent the last mentioned movement of the core;

12. An electrical-connector comprising a tubular body, an insulation :core within the body, a terminal conductor element carried by the core, said core being movable axially and reciprocally Within the body between a retracted position in which said element is contained Within the body and an advanced position in which said element is projected out of the body, and means for positively locking said core against movement from said retracted position to said advanced position.

13. In a connector, the combination of a cylindrical housing having housed therein a connecting plug, a contact element carried by the plug, the housing being formed of more than one section, means for yieldably holding the sections together, and means formed. on the inner surface of the housing adapted to cooperate with the plug for expanding the sections of the housing on axial movement of the plug, the axial movement of the plug Within the housing acting to project the terminal element from the housing in one position 7 on movement thereof and to hold the contact element housed within the housing upon another position of movement thereof.

14. In a connector, the combination of a housing and a plug .positioned Within the housing, a contact element carried by the plug, the housing being formed of half sections and means for yieldably holding the half sections together, the plug being axially movable within the housing to advanced and retracted positions therein, an expansion cam ridge formed on the inner surface of the housing adapted to cooperate with the plug for expansion of the half sections of the housing on endwise motion of the plug Within the housing, shoulder means formed Within the housing for cooperation with the Vplug for holding the plug in advanced and retracted positions of axial movement within the housing, a collar means surrounding the housing, and cooperating means formed between the collar and the housing for holding the half sections from expansion, wherebyzthe plug is lockedin'its position Within the housing.

15. An electrical connector comprising a body, a core within the body, a terminal element carried by the core, said core being movable axially within the body from a retracted position to an advanced position projecting said terminal out of the body, cooperating means formed within the body and upon the core for releasably holding and maintaining the core against movement within the body from said retracted position to said advanced position.

16. An electrical connector comprising a body,

8 j. a core Within the body, a terminal element carried by the core, said core being movable axially within the body from a retracted position to an advanced position projecting said terminal out of the body, cooperating means formed within the body and upon the core for releasably holding and maintaining the core against movement Within the body from said retracted position to said advanced position, the said body being formed of plural sections, means for releasably holding the body sections together, and the cooperating means formed between the body and the core acting upon endwise movement of the core within the body to expand the body sections against the pressure of the said yieldable body means acting to hold the body together.

CLIFF BAKER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

